How To Obtain a Birth Certificate in Illinois?

Do you need a birth certificate for a job, education, a loan application, or to meet Illinois state ID requirements?

Obtaining a certified copy doesn't have to be complicated.

This guide explains how to order a certified copy of your birth certificate in Illinois.

Why would you need a certified copy of your birth certificate?

A certified duplicate of your birth certificate serves as an official vital record that proves your identity and citizenship.

A certified copy carries legal weight, and various important life events sometimes require it.

From applying for:

• Driver's license
• Establishing legal guardianship
• Obtaining a REAL ID

...Knowing how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate is essential.

How to get a copy of your birth certificate in Illinois (3 ways)

1. Online Ordering (Fastest Option)

Ordering your birth certificate online through StateVitalRecords.org is the quickest way to get your certified copy. The process is straightforward:

• Visit the StateVitalRecords.org website.
• Fill out the online order form for Illinois vital records.
• Provide the necessary information about the person named on the certificate.
• If you have not supplied all the supporting documentation after checkout, please do so by doing an order lookup.
• Submit your payment using a credit card or a debit card.
• StateVitalRecords will send your application to the jurisdiction FOR YOU.
• The jurisdiction now handles the status of your application after receiving it.
• Receive your certified copy according to your chosen delivery method from the jurisdiction.

Online ordering is best if you need your birth certificate fast and want to handle it from home.

2. Mail-In Ordering

If you prefer ordering by mail, follow these steps:

• Print and fill out the necessary forms
• Mail the forms to the appropriate vital records offices and vital statistics unit listed on the application form
• Include your payment (check or money order)

Mail ordering takes longer, but it works if you prefer traditional mail or don't have online payment options available.

For questions about the mail option, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health for more information.

3. In-Person Ordering

For immediate assistance, visit a vital records office in person:

• Find a location near you
• Bring an acceptable form of identification
• Pay the fee using cash, check, money order, or credit card
• Submit your application directly to the staff

This option is best to resolve any questions about your birth record, or prefer face-to-face assistance.

Access to certified copies

Qualified applicants who can obtain a copy of a birth certificate include:

• Self (if 18 years or older)
• Parent (must be listed on the birth record)
• Legal Guardian or legal representative (must provide legal documentation supporting the relationship or reason for the request)

If you're ordering for someone else, you need to prove your relationship through the vital statistics application process and may need extra documents. A legal representative can act on behalf of another person with proper authorization.

Acceptable Identification Requirements

Identification is required to establish proof of your identity and ensure you're qualified to obtain the vital record. You must provide identification in one of these ways:

Option 1: Primary Photo ID Submit a legible photocopy of one unexpired primary photo ID with a photo, your name, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date. Acceptable primary photo IDs include:

• Driver's License
• State Issued Photo ID
• Passport/foreign passports
• Tribal ID with date of birth and expiration date
• Military ID with date of birth and expiration date
• Matrícula Consular card issued after October 2006 and not expired
• Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card
• Veterans Administration Issued Photo Medical Card
• PR non-expired IDs

Option 2: Expired Primary ID with Additional Documentation If your primary photo ID expired less than six months ago, submit it along with one additional document showing your name and current address that matches your application form.

Option 3: Secondary ID. If your primary photo ID expired more than six months ago or you don't have a valid photo ID, submit two pieces of documentation with your name. One must show your current address, which can be a utility bill (electricity, cellular phone, water) or other mail. The other piece must be one of these items:

• Medical or car insurance card
• Credit card statement
• Bank statement
• Paycheck stub with imprinted information
• Public assistance card
• Voter's registration card
• EBT Link Card (Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer)

An unexpired Matrícula Consular card issued after October 2006 is acceptable on its own. If issued before October 2006, you'll need one additional document showing your current address.

Special Circumstances:

• If incarcerated, submit a dated prison intake or offender summary sheet containing your photo
• If released from prison within the last six months, submit your release papers and prison photo ID (release papers must show an address matching your application)
• If employed by a State, Federal Agency, or Hospital, submit a copy of your work photo ID badge with your photo, name, agency name, and issue and expiration date, plus any required supportive paperwork
• If your work ID doesn't meet requirements, include a copy of your government-issued photo ID, driver's license, or passport

Cost and Processing Times

Illinois Birth Certificate Costs:

• Order a birth certificate online: $29 (12-14 weeks)
• Additional copies: $2 each
• Transaction fees start at $14 and may vary by delivery method
• Expedited: $59 UPS label must be printed (NO PO BOX/NO PR)(5-8 weeks) 

*SVR also offers a birth certificate for deceased individuals. 

Payment Methods: When completing your application to obtain a certified copy, you can pay using:

• Credit card (online orders)
• Debit card (online orders)
• Check or money order (mail and in-person)
• Cash (in-person only)

The Application Process

The vital statistics application process for how to get a copy of your birth certificate is designed to be quick and easy. Whether you choose to order a birth certificate online, by mail, or in person, you'll follow a similar process: provide your information, verify your identity with acceptable forms of identification, and submit payment. 

The application form ensures that only qualified applicants, such as the individual themselves, a parent listed on the birth record, or an authorized legal representative, can access vital records.

Additional Documentation

No additional documents are required to order a copy of your birth certificate online through the vital records online system. The identification you provide during the application process is sufficient to establish your authority to obtain the vital record.

Get Your Illinois Birth Certificate Today

Now that you understand how you can get your birth certificate and where you can get your birth certificate, the process is simple and efficient. 

Choose the method that works best for you: order a birth certificate online for speed, mail for convenience, or visit vital records offices in person for immediate assistance, and get your vital record in hand quickly.

For questions about specific requirements, the application process, or additional support, contact StateVitalRecord’s customer service.